Chorley FC

Chorley 0 North Ferriby United 1

A LAST-minute goal strengthened North Ferriby’s title challenge but dealt a damaging blow to Chorley’s fading promotion hopes.

In a very competitive game, the Humbersiders needed all their resilience and steel to extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches, playing all the second half with only 10 men.

They lost midfielder Steve Ridley to a second caution just before half-time but a tactical switch to stiffen their central defence enabled them to stage a successful shut-out as Chorley toiled in vain to pierce a solid defensive screen.

After a cagey opening, the Magpies gradually got on top and Dale Whitham twice drove inches over the bar.

Then Adam Roscoe saw a close-range volley blocked in the jaws of goal. Ferriby almost snatched the lead early in the second period when Ryan Kendall cut in but was foiled by Jack Cudworth.

With time running out, and Ferriby content to retain possession out on the right wing, Steve Flitcroft needlessly conceded a free-kick.

When the ball came in Cudworth could only partially clear and Liam King fired the winner through a crowd of players.

A chance came Chorley’s way in stoppage time but Ciaran Kilheeney glanced a back-post header wide.